In May 2025, coinciding with Melanoma Awareness month, the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) is calling for horticulturists to join them in raising awareness of skin cancer and promote best practice for staying safe in the sun while working in the horticulture industry.

February might not seem like an obvious time to be thinking about sun safety and the dangers of skin cancer but every year over 17,000 cases of melanoma skin cancer are reported in the UK.

“Excess exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which comes from the sun, or sunbeds, has been identified by researchers as the primary risk factor for developing melanoma. We know that melanoma is on the rise in the UK so it’s extremely important that anyone spending a lot of time outdoors takes particular care when it comes to skin protection. This includes wearing SPF30+ sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat as well as seeking shade in the hottest parts of the day,” explains Susanna Daniels, CEO Melanoma Focus.

To kick-off the campaign the CIH have launched a survey, supported by Melanoma Focus, gathering information on current knowledge of skin cancer and attitudes to sun safety from those working in the sector so that they can be compared to findings from the wider public.

“We hope that the survey will also give rise to more examples of horticulturists affected by skin cancer who are willing to share their personal story. If you would like to be part of this campaign, please do get in touch and help us beat all forms of preventable skin cancer,” said Jason Daff, Secretary, Chartered Institute of Horticulture

Running throughout February 2025, the survey is open to anyone who works in, or studies horticulture, landscaping and those working outdoors with high exposure to UV radiation.